{CAROLINE}
The cafeteria buzzed with low conversation when we arrived.
Trays clattered. Silverware chimed against porcelain. The air was thick with the scent of blood broth, spiced meats, and something coppery beneath it all.
We ordered our food quickly and chose a table tucked away from the others, far enough that no one could pretend proximity was accidental.
I had just lifted my spoon—
When hot liquid suddenly poured down over my head.
I gasped, breath tearing from my lungs as scalding soup cascaded through my hair and soaked into my clothes.
The red color slid down my skin in thick streams, clinging, staining, burning.
Iris cried out beside me.
She'd been hit as well.
Both of us stood frozen, drenched in crimson, the viscous liquid dripping from our sleeves, pooling at our feet. The smell hit a second later—iron-heavy, unmistakable.
Blood-based soup.
Laughter rang out behind us.
"Ahahaha! Red looks good on you."
Morgana.
